Driving in traffic can be a stressful experience, especially when it makes you late. Even though heavy traffic forces you to drive more slowly, driving in close proximity to other cars can increase your risk of having an accident. Here are four tips to help you get through traffic safely.
1. Keep Extra Distance
It’s always a good idea to stay a significant distance away from the vehicle in front of you. In traffic, other drivers can put their brakes on suddenly, so it’s a good idea to increase this distance, especially when it’s raining out. Getting too close can lead to rear-end accidents.
2. Apply Your Brakes Smoothly
Driving in traffic can mean that you are starting and stopping frequently, but you’ll want to avoid slamming on your brakes. Just as you want to keep a distance between yourself and the car in front of you, give the driver behind you plenty of time to slow down by braking smoothly.
3. Pay Attention
Distracted driving is one of the top causes of car accidents, and when you’re in traffic, it’s more important than ever to concentrate on what’s going on around you. Be aware of what the cars in front and back of you are doing, and because drivers can try to change lanes unexpectedly, keep an eye on vehicles to either side of you.
4. Stay Calm
Sitting in traffic can be frustrating, and one of the most important things to remember is to stay calm. Getting angry at other motorists isn’t going to make traffic disappear or help you get to your destination more quickly. Added stress can also be bad for your health. If you need to take a break from driving, pull over on the side of the road for a while or stop and get a snack.
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